Your March Newsletter

Things to consider before putting your home on the market

If you have made the decision to sell your home, chances are you will want to do it as swiftly and smoothly as possible. You probably have so many happy memories from each and every room in your house, yet already you are beginning to see your home in a different light. It’s important to look at your home as a house subjectively and see what you can do to get it sold.

Combined with this you need to be organised; you don’t want to be delayed – don’t neglect that silly little thing you forgot to do which delays everything by weeks! So here is a checklist which you can use as a reminder and a few other things to consider which will help you achieve the best possible price for your home.

Check out the competition

Look at what other houses in your area are selling for. View online the most recently sold properties in your postcode to give you a good idea of an asking price.

Declutter

Everyone has their own unique way of living whether it’s sitting by the fire and knitting or collecting unusual beers. Start decluttering by packing them away now and creating space. An emptier kitchen worktop will make the entire space look bigger and more appealing to potential buyers.

Clean

Have a good clean up, everything from the fireplace to kitchen tiles and carpets. It all helps make your home more sellable.

Repairs

Are there any small repairs that need doing or scuff marks that need a touch of paint? Perhaps you have some paint left over in your shed. It won't cost you much, but it will make your home look better and become more resistant to silly offers!

The garden

Don’t forget the garden and the front of the house. Are there any bushes or trees that need trimming? Are the windows clean, has the grass been cut? The first thing your buyers will see is the front of the house and first impressions last.

Make an entrance

As you enter your home through the front door look at what will greet potential buyers. A nice, presentable, clean and in good condition hall or room or porch will welcome new owners, not just viewers.

Paperwork

You don’t want to be delayed waiting for a gas safety certificate, or any other paperwork - perhaps from building control for any structural work you had carried out. Make sure you have any paperwork ready for your potential buyers to keep things moving forward smoothly.

Solicitor

Don’t give your solicitors any excuses to delay you! Call them and double-check if there is anything you need in terms of conveyancing and paperwork to get the ball rolling.

Photography/video tours

Check out your home’s profile once it goes live, and check the pictures for accuracy. Once you have done all this your house should look as pretty as a picture and you will soon be on the move for the right price.

Do you want to enjoy a seamless and swift house move? Contact us.

Are there benefits to overpaying a mortgage?

If you have streamlined your spending and examined where and how you can save, you might find that you have a little leftover. Thought of overpaying your mortgage? Paying more of your mortgage off, means you pay less interest. Heating, council tax, and gas bills have all increased. In some ways there is not much you can do to reduce the price of these things yourself. With interest rates higher than they have been for years there has never been a better time to get one back on the system by saving money on your mortgage. We look at the best ways to do so and crunch some numbers to show how a few extra pounds each month can shorten the term of your mortgage significantly.

There are essentially two ways to overpay your mortgage, in a lump sum or by adjusting your monthly payment.

Mortgage overpayment calculator

Most high street banks have mortgage overpayment calculators which will help you see how much you could save.

Overpay in lump sums

It could be that you get a good interest rate on a savings account. You can save an amount you are comfortable with and feel secure in case you need access to emergency funds. Then pay off so much of your mortgage in lump sums, always leaving a certain amount in your savings account.

Increase your monthly payment

Many people choose to increase their monthly payments.If you have taken out a mortgage with a term of 25 years for £150,000 at an interest rate of 4% then here are some inspiring numbers!

Paying an extra £10 per month could save over £2000 on interest and pay your mortgage off 6 months early.*

If you increased your payment by £100 then you could reduce the term of your mortgage by nearly four and half years, with a saving in interest paid of £17,000!

Penalties

It is essential that you check the terms of your mortgage with your mortgage provider. There may be a penalty cost incurred if you overpay by a certain amount. That said you will still be able to overpay more than you might expect before being punished! For example, most mortgage providers will allow you to pay up to 10% of the balance before being charged for fixed-interest rate mortgages. One advantage of paying a variable rate mortgage is that typically you can pay off as much as you like.

A better deal

If you have been overpaying your mortgage and it’s time to get a new deal, you may find that you get a better interest rate because your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is now lower. Typically, the more equity in your home the less interest you will pay. Paying off more of your mortgage can save you on interest in more ways than one!

Do what’s right for you

Perhaps you are struggling and this is something you will look at doing in the future. It may be that you have a grand plan and aim to pay off your mortgage in the next seven years. Whichever you decide to do, paying off a little or a lot has a big impact!

It’s more than a house it’s the feeling of being home. Browse our properties.

*moneysavingexpert

Things that landlords need to know in 2023

This year is proof that life as a landlord is not as simple as it used to be. Reforms for tenants along with new laws and legislation will make it a bit more complex. That said the great news is that demand for rented properties is still extremely strong. There is a chance you could pick up a bargain as property prices slow. These changes help protect landlords and tenants so it should be another good year where standards across the industry rise.

Better protection for tenants

The renter's reform bill could become legislation this year if the government have their way. Giving more rights to tenants will also force unscrupulous landlords to up their game and stop cutting corners. This will raise standards and rights for renters and stop your properties to let potentially suffering from bad landlords undercutting you.

Higher capital gains tax

The tax-free allowance for landlords selling a property will be reduced significantly from April. This means you could pay more capital gains tax, so if you want to avoid it, and you are thinking of selling, better to sell sooner rather than later. There will be further cuts in 2024, meaning your tax relief when you decide to sell will be halved.

Buy-to-let mortgage rates

Mortgage rates while higher than they used to be, are now much more stable than last year. This means you can plan for the future once again and calculate costs more accurately.

Higher demand

In 2022 demand for rented accommodation was huge. This year demand is still very strong. Fewer people can afford to buy due to the cost-of-living crises and the hike in interest rates. It’s expected that landlords will increase rents in order to cover costs but also to reflect the huge demand and get a better rental yield.

Add to your portfolio

With house prices levelling out and falling now is the time to add to your portfolio. Rental yields are good, and demand is very high. Some landlords will choose to sell, while savvy investors will seek new properties to develop as buy-to-let businesses. Asking prices are much more open to lower offers than last year so you might just acquire something that before was not as good as an investment.

Financial help for energy efficiency upgrades

Landlords who meet certain criteria might be eligible for government assistance with £1bn to help homeowners to insulate their properties. The aim is to improve energy efficiency which will help landlords with providing energy-efficient, appealing homes.

Outlook

There is a lot going on in 2023, and if you are a landlord you are most likely to incur more costs. With rental demand growing now is the time to invest while providing great places to live for tenants. As the industry becomes more regulated, standards rise in so many ways, elevating the industry and creating a more stable investment prospect.

Tenant demand has never been better. Browse our properties.

Tips to reduce stress during a move

We have all heard it before. “Moving is one of the most stressful things you can do.” Compared with many other more serious predicaments in life this is of course not true. Like flying to the moon or near-death experiences! However, it’s right up there with the big stuff like your career and relationships according to some experts.

It’s got everything, from hurting your back by lifting large furniture through narrow spaces to worrying about paperwork, and the emotional roller coaster ride of saying goodbye to friends and family you might not see for a while. Then the elation and excitement of a new home and maybe a new life. With all this going on it’s easy to get stressed. There is so much to think about. We have come up with a few tips to help you make the big move less stressful by breaking it down into manageable pieces.

The sooner you start the better

The longer you put things off the more they fester in your mind. Instead simply packing a few things earlier will stop you from becoming stressed thinking about the huge task ahead. Start with the little things. Stuff you don’t use often, an hour here and an hour there. Don’t make it a task. Then you are already ahead of the game.

Come up with a plan

Make a nice cup of coffee or tea, or something stronger! Sit down and relax, then scribble down a plan. Write a list to break each of your tasks into smaller chunks, perhaps using titles such as – the happy day, for when you move in. Breaking your tasks down like this will help you keep calm and gives you a plan to stick to while reducing the chances of the unexpected. Perhaps have a packing section, a pre-move checklist and a post-move checklist, to deal with the change of address!

Budget

It’s always a good idea to create a budget. Moving can be expensive and the more time you give yourself to plan the costs and see where you could save the better. If you are using a removal company, shop around, while they will make your life easier, if the cost is more than you can afford you may find yourself stressing over money.

Don’t forget yourself!

Your mind will be teeming with everything to do with your new home. Remember to look after yourself, plan breaks on the big day - a time to eat and a time to rest. When you get stressed, remember to breathe. When you move in, sort the bedrooms first. This process will take a few days and you will need to sleep well. Perhaps pack a self-care box, so you are not frantically looking for something that is essential to you.

Say your goodbyes

Remember to set aside some time to say goodbye. It’s important to do this and if you don't plan it you may find you are trying to do too much at once; packing, while saying goodbye. It could cause an emotional and stress overload!

Finally

There is no doubt following these steps will reduce your stress levels massively and with a bit of luck you will be able to enjoy the big move!

Can’t wait to move into your forever home or looking to make your first big move? Get in touch.

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Investing in property? Here are 10 top tips!

Investing in property can be highly lucrative, and the best way to enjoy it and make it as profitable as possible is to know your stuff. Like so much in life, there is an element of luck involved, and to a certain degree, you make your own luck. That said, if you like to err on the side of caution, investing in property can give you a lot of security. There is also vast scope for creativity; whichever approach you take, do it your own way.

Decide

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to doing anything is simply deciding what you are going to do! In the world of property investment, you are spoiled for choice, and each property offers unique opportunities. So before you make up your mind, consider these tips. Then remember the golden rule: always leave a bit of space for manoeuvring in case your plans change!

Buy-to-let or buy-to-sell?

Do you want to be a property developer or a landlord? There is a constant stream of homes arriving on the market that need modernising or updating. Once completed, who says you can’t do both? Let your refurbished property for a few years, then sell it for a profit!

Get to know the market

Ideally, try to buy in an up-and-coming area. The scope for growth in value is greater. This does not mean you have to find an amazingly exclusive area enjoying mega growth. Often, an area that is moving forward and steadily improving is just the ticket when finding an affordable property. Spend a little time getting to know the areas you are considering investing in.

Have a plan

Planning is a good way to keep you on the right road. Make lists and make notes for moving, refurbishments, and costing, include calculations for rental yields and a list of legal requirements, and tick each step off one by one as there is a lot to remember.

Familiarize yourself with the law

Certain safety standards must be met; these can include smoke alarms, gas certificates, portable appliance testing, an Energy Performance Certificate, and building control certificates for structural alterations. If you let your property, you must conduct Right to Rent checks as a landlord.

Insurance

If you let your property, this is a no-brainer. There are so many policies you can opt for, from malicious damage by tenants to loss of rental income. Make sure any tradespeople working on your property have the correct insurance.

Building contractors

Finding the right tradespeople to create your property vision can mean the difference between making a good profit and losing money because they don't finish on time.

Budget

If you plan to let your property, calculate the rental yield, which will help you calculate your return on investment (ROI). There are many rental yield calculators available online. If you are developing a property, create a spreadsheet or use a property development budget template. Always leave a little aside for the unexpected.

Make the most of your property’s space

Renting or selling make the most of the space you have. More rooms mean more rent or a higher selling price. Have you thought of converting a modest-sized home into flats?

Stay on-trend

When you decide to short-term let, flip, or buy to long-term let, extend, let holiday homes, convert, refurbish, or invest in green, professional, or student sectors, stay clued in to everything from interior decor (keep things neutral and simple) to changes in the law and the latest property market trends.

Are you looking for a fully managed lettings service to protect and grow your property investment? Or are you looking for a great investment opportunity? Get in touch.

A month of March memories for your home

March has a lot to offer when it comes to making happy family memories for you to cherish, especially in your home. All too often, when we view a potential home, we think of everything from price, location, how much we like the property, the size and aspect of the rooms, and its features. We become obsessed with décor, design, and monetary value. With so much going on in March, now is a good time to look at your home in a different light.

How does your home feel during some of the days that make March such an inspiring time of year?

Spring

Spring is a welcome release from the dark, cold days of winter and shows all of us proof that the darkness and cold really do not last forever and that things really can change! Change is something that we both love and despise as humans. Unless we are certain that it’s for the better. Is spring memorable in your home, or do you feel disconnected from the new forces of nature that show up in the form of flowers and wildlife? It’s important to feel connected to nature in your home. You only need to look at the effect that glass door walls have on blending the indoor and outdoor worlds, connecting you to nature with a single glance. Then, when you open the doors, an orchestra of nature and the scents of the garden waft into your home. It’s mood-altering and makes for a truly beautiful living experience.

Mother’s Day

Whether you are a mother, son, daughter, or partner helping to arrange the little details, from breakfast in bed to flowers. How well does your home befit the occasion? A dining room that feels special and unique marks not just this occasion but many memorable meals. Does each room work in conjunction with each other? Does the special ambience you create in the dining room flow to the sitting room?

Longer evenings and changing clocks

Your time is precious. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could just press pause every now and again to stretch out your evenings? Creating spaces in your home that allow you to relax quickly and appreciate the moment may not stop time itself. They will, however, slow time down as you become absorbed and tuned into the moment. Create a relaxing outdoor space where you can light candles with a view of the sky at sunset, add music, and then breathe. You can create such spaces in a variety of settings (such as your living room or bedroom) in your own unique way. Then you will become more connected to your surroundings and your home.

International Day of Happiness

Taking place in March, this is another great excuse to celebrate laughter and joy. But who needs an excuse? Take the time to create a home that makes you feel at one with, and it will take care of you, so happy moments become happy days and months for a better way of life.

Make a fresh start on your property search. This March, look for a home that will bring you a thousand happy memories. Browse our properties.

Let your garden grow the value of your home this spring

It’s gardening season again at last, and the longer, lighter days of spring are giving a taste of the warmer summer days and nights soon to come. Whether you are a complete novice or a fanatic, there is no denying that almost anything you do, big or small, will make your home a much nicer place to be for you, your family, and friends.

UK homeowners appreciate a good garden. Research revealed that 50% of homeowners in Britain placed as much, if not more, importance on a well-designed garden as they do on a well-designed bathroom or kitchen.* As a result, this can add some serious value to the price of a home. Here are a few ideas to inspire you.

Let’s start with the basics

Enjoy the fresh spring breeze and keep the grass trimmed, weed the flower beds or patio, and paint any fences, sheds, or woodwork that needs a new lease on life. Then stand back and enjoy it. If you do nothing else, this will make your home far more appealing.

Grow up!

If space is scarce and you have no garden, consider growing up. Vertical gardens are on trend this year and will add colour, scents, and flowers to an otherwise empty space. Low maintenance and beautiful on a patio even if you have a large garden. Simply arrange planter boxes in a stack and plant what you love.

Growing your own flowers

A big trend for 2023 is growing flowers you can arrange into your own bouquets. Choose easy-to-grow flowers such as sunflowers, marigolds, or hardy geraniums.

Meadows

Bright, colourful gardens with a bit of everything going on are the way forward. Replace neat and trimmed lawns with the wilder look of meadows. That’s not to say you can't have some nice, neat, green grass and a herb garden too.

Furniture

Incorporating metallics, copper, and marble at the high end of the market is a desirable and on-trend way to create an amazing place to sit and enjoy good company in the garden. Or simply create privacy using wood. A simple bench or table using reclaimed wood can add something special without costing much.

Hard landscaping

Water features, patios, simple paths winding you through your imagined creation aligned with flowers, fruit trees, or a trellis to the decking that catches the sun.

Good outside storage

Good storage is desirable when it comes to creating a good garden. Store everything from your tools to the fire pit, you bring out at night to enjoy your garden under the stars. Perhaps with some lanterns, solar lights, garden spotlights, or wall lights, the possibilities are endless!

Find the home you love with the garden you have been searching for. Get in touch to see how we can help.

Zoopla*

Freshen up your rental property this spring

Spring is a time for change; it’s warmer, summer is on the way, and daffodils start blossoming, bringing more brightness to the extra light of longer days. Wildlife steps into action, and so can you when it comes to improving your natural habitat! Whether you let a property or rent a property, sometimes the challenge is to make changes with the seasons that don’t cost the earth.

Bedrooms

A great way to freshen up your bedrooms is to change the bedding. Choose bright, positive colours that reflect the season. Add some light. If you are a landlord, consider freshening up the walls with a fresh coat of paint. Fresh flowers are best—a single tulip can achieve a lot, but realistically, some dried flowers placed on the windowsill add a blast of cheery colour and vibrancy to stimulate your senses.

Kitchen

The kitchen is the central hub of most homes, so it gets the most use and will benefit from a good spring clean and declutter. But if you can do more, consider retiling, painting, or replacing worktops and cabinets. Lighting can really add to the feeling of space; perhaps change the blinds. Some potted herbs grow nicely in the kitchen and offer enticing scents while adding colour. They are also handy to have close at hand when you are cooking up a seasonal treat. Tomato plants will also grow nicely on your kitchen windowsill, and come mid-summer, you'll save on your food bill!

Gardening and outdoor living

The possibilities here are endless, even if you rent. Get out in the garden and plant a few flowers or trees. Maybe buy, or even better, make, some garden furniture and start thinking about how you want to enjoy a summer’s night: in front of a fire pit, stove, pizza oven, or maybe you would prefer to barbeque. Simply clean up, cut the grass, and plant a herb garden. If you want low maintenance, plant some solar-powered lights instead! As a landlord, you will not want to get too carried away in the garden, so keep it simple and make it a nice place to be. Create a nice outdoor dining area or sundeck to keep your tenants happy.

The sitting room

The sitting room will become less of a cosy place to hibernate and more of a light, airy, and fresh place to chill out. Add a few mirrors and maybe some artwork to the wall. If you have a fire, you may opt for more candles with seasonal scents, so it will smell like spring or summer as you no longer need the heat from the fire quite as much. Rugs can also add a lot of colour, whether on the floor or on the wall; the effect is the same. Plants are a great way to add colour and, quite literally, breathe some fresh life into your living room. There are a host of new and exotic choices that will add vibrancy in spades and help you relax after a hard day.

Don’t forget the bathroom

A simple spruce up with some new towels, new fixtures such as a soap dish, another mirror, or some rustic shelving to place some bath salts and more plants! Re-grout between the tiles; any little bit you do will have a big impact.

Welcome home!

The front of your home should always greet you with a warm welcome, so make it happen with flowerpots, a neat and tidy weedless facia, clean windows, and a shiny front door!

Get in touch to see how we can help you find the place where you want to be when it comes to property.